Why does the ovary of cucumbers turn yellow in a greenhouse and how to deal with it
Growing vegetables in greenhouses does not relieve gardeners of problems. Quite often, they are faced with the question: why does the ovary of cucumbers turn yellow in a greenhouse? There can be several reasons - from improper care to unfavorable external factors that affect the formation of the crop, regardless of where the crop is growing.
The source of problems must be identified and eliminated. And continue to try not to repeat mistakes.
What cucumbers need for successful growth
For a successful vegetation you need:
- loose, fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction;
- warm soils, the temperature of which is not lower than 15 ° C;
- maximum sunny location;
- regular feeding;
- air temperature within 20-30 ° C;
- frequent, but not excessive watering with warm water;
- air humidity not more than 90%.
There are varieties of cucumbers pollinated by bees and those that can tie greens without the participation of insects or humans. This also needs to be taken into account when planting a crop.
Among the reasons why ovaries fall off cucumbers may be:
- watering with cold water;
- acidic, poor or dense soil;
- loosening the soil, which cucumbers do not like very much;
- a sharp change in temperature;
- lack of ventilation;
- lack of food;
- drafts;
- temperature outside the range of 16-32 ° C.
Why does the ovary of cucumbers turn yellow in the greenhouse and how to fix problems
Pumpkin crops always produce more flowers than fruit. After pollination has occurred, some of the cucumber ovaries dry out and shed - this is normal. Even with increased nutrition, the plant is not able to feed all the greens.
Another thing is when the yellowing of the navel is massive.
Wrong temperature
One of the main reasons why the cucumber ovary turns yellow in the greenhouse is the temperature regime outside the comfortable for the crop. If it is "wrong" at the initial stages of development, the Zelentsi will simply not get involved. At the stage of formation and maturation, pupae will turn yellow, stop growing and may fall off.
Cucumber is a thermophilic plant. At temperatures below 20 ° C, it slows down development, and when the thermometer drops below 15-16 ° C, it stops.
Intense heat is also not good. As soon as the temperature exceeds 32 ° C, the ovaries begin to grow slowly, bend, and often turn yellow. At 36-38 ° C, pollination does not occur, and already formed pupae may crumble.
The ovary of cucumbers turns yellow and does not develop when the temperature drops. This problem is typical for unheated greenhouses with a high ceiling - the air heated during the day simply rises up at night.
High humidity and improper watering
It would seem that a cucumber is a moisture-loving culture, the more it is to water, all the better. But constantly wet soil will cause root and stem rot. If the air humidity exceeds 90%, the cucumber ovaries will first stop developing, then turn yellow and fall off. This problem is more relevant when growing crops in greenhouses than for open field.
Novice gardeners do not always understand why cucumber puppies turn yellow. They see that the ovaries have dried up, increase the humidity or watering intensity, as a result, making it worse.
There must be a hygrometer in the greenhouse - the problem is relevant not only for cucumbers.
It is better to plant only self-pollinated varieties in indoor conditions. Even if the frames are raised or the door is constantly kept open, it is not a fact that enough bees will fly in there to fertilize all the flowers. High humidity is a disadvantage of many greenhouses. When it approaches 90%, pollinating insects will bypass the structure, even if they are specially lured.
Lack of nutrition
Cucumbers need constant feeding - they develop quickly and build up a significant green mass. First of all, nutrients are consumed for the needs of long stems and leaves. And to "feed" one cucumber, you need 15-20 pieces.
Proponents of organic farming, who do not delve into the essence of the issue, often simply refuse any fertilizers. And then they ask: “Cucumber ovaries do not grow! What to do?".
The very cultivation of any crop in greenhouse conditions implies that it will be fed, and intensively.
Don't feel like doing this? Discard greenhouses. It is still impossible to grow anything there without the use of chemistry. Cucumbers are simply more demanding on feeding than most crops, and therefore suffer more, first slowing down development and then dropping the ovaries.
Fertilizers in greenhouses it is necessary to apply once a week, alternating mineral and organic, it is better to combine them with watering. At the initial stages of development, cucumbers need more nitrogen, during the formation of the crop - potassium.
Often the ovaries turn yellow and fall off on varieties of cucumbers with a bunchy form of fruiting. One or two greens develop normally, the rest crumble. This is a sure sign of a nutrient deficiency.
Other reasons
Cucumbers can turn yellow and shed their ovaries for other reasons. It should be highlighted:
- Excessive feeding. Uncontrolled fertilization will lead to crop destruction or even death of cucumbers faster than a shortage of them. Excess is especially dangerous nitrogencausing an increase in green mass to the detriment of flowering.
- Watering with cold water. Cucumbers do not tolerate this.
- Lack of bush formation. Only in the open field, where cucumbers usually grow in a horizontal plane, can this procedure be neglected. In greenhouses, lashes are tied up, and they must be formed to obtain a decent harvest.
- For cucumbers, a loose soil permeable to water and air is needed, but this cannot be achieved by loosening. With any damage to the root, development stops for the period necessary for its restoration. If greens have appeared by this time, they are most likely to first turn yellow and then fall off.
- Lack of light.
- Insufficient humidity of air and soil.
Growing cucumbers in greenhouses has its own specifics. But, if you do everything right and make an effort, it is easier to get a decent harvest there than in the open field. And you don't have to wonder why the ovaries of cucumbers turn yellow in greenhouses.